Troubleshoot - why am I gaining weight?

huxtabee

Hi!
I’ve been trying to lose for the last 5 weeks. Things were going well at first. Eating an average of 1500 cal, high protein, low sugar/carb. Some IF. Measuring and tracking all my food. Drinking lots of water. Strength workouts 2x/week. Running 3x/week. Lost 8 lb in the first 4 weeks and then this last week I gained 3 lb! Not doing anything different. If anything, my calories were slightly lower at 1200-1400. I’m so bummed. Anyone have any ideas on what is happening and how to correct it?

janejellyroll

So you had a really great rate of loss for four weeks and one week with a bit of weight gain. This sounds perfectly normal and not like a sign that you're doing anything wrong.

Are you a person who has a period? If so, this has the potential to impact your weight at least once a month. I personally see temporary water weight gain twice a month -- the week I ovulate and the week I start my period. After that, it returns to "normal."

Many people doing a low carbohydrate diet see quick water weight loss and then their weight loss reduces to a more normal pace. That could also contribute to what is happening here.

quiksylver296

Weight loss isn't a straight line downward. Our weight fluctuates for so many reasons.

Is the exercise new to you? Your muscles will hold on to water for a while to repair themselves, until they get used to the exercise.

Menstrual cycles, like @janejellyroll mentioned, can affect. I gain right around ovulation and again a couple days before my period. It's just water weight, not fat.

Other random things - sunburn, travel (especially flying), drinking alcohol - can cause water weight fluctuations. If you are certain you are eating in a deficit, you just have to trust the process!

huxtabee

Thanks @janejellyroll and @quiksylver296 ! This is the week I ovulate, so it probably has something to do with that. I never would have thought of that

zkpayan

Are you weighing yourself around the same time if the day. That can also impact things, weight can fluctuate up to 3lbs in one day!!

janejellyroll

huxtabee wrote: »

Thanks @janejellyroll and @quiksylver296 ! This is the week I ovulate, so it probably has something to do with that. I never would have thought of that

Until I began weighing myself daily and tracking the results, I never knew it was happening to me either! For me personally, it seems to drop 2-3 days after ovulation (at least, when I estimate I have ovulated).